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Tips for your first few days together

Getting set up

It's a great idea to set up for your new pet before adopting. Set up by putting your cat's items in a quiet room and make sure no other pets can access the space.

Your new cat will need:

  • Food and water bowls
  • A litter tray (two would be best)
  • Litter
  • Warm bedding
  • A scratching post
  • Toys
  • High-quality food
  • A breakaway collar with an engraved tag

You can get all of this and more from our Pet Shop at AWL.

Once they're home, keep your new cat's room closed off for the first week to help them slowly settle in before exploring the rest of the house.

Travelling

Once you've met and adopted your fur-baby, take them straight home and don't make any stops along the way. Travelling is stressful for cats, so the sooner they're home, the happier they'll be.

Spending time

If you can, try adopting when you've got a few days off to spend with your new kitty to help them settle in.

On the first day and night, your cat will likely want some quiet time to explore their new room alone. Sitting quietly and reading a book or watching some TV are great cat-friendly bonding activities.

As your cat starts to feel more confident, you can gradually expand their living area to the rest of the house. Just remember to take it at your cat's pace.

You can also leave your cat alone for small amounts of time to help them learn that when you go, you will come back.

Visitors

Avoid having visitors or guests come over to meet your new cat for at least the first week.

Adopting cats FAQs

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Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
Animal Care Centre
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Edinburgh North Shelter
4 Hewittson Road
Edinburgh North SA 5113
10am - 3pm
Thursday - Sunday
P: 08 8348 1300
E: support@awl.org.au
Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
I've found a cat
Cat advice
Foster a cat or kitten
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
I've found a dog
Dog advice
Foster a dog or puppy
About us
Who we are
Policy and position statements
Our team
Contact us
Work with us
Pet projects
Become a member
For the Love of Pets
Support AWL
Donate online
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Foster care wishlist
Leave a gift in your Will
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer for us
Shop at our thrift shops
Help for your pet
Rehome your pet
Board your pet with us
Farewell your pet
Find a lost pet
Blog
Pocket pets
Find a vet
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ACNC Registered Charity
© Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc
A member of Companion Animal Network Australia - CAN
08 8348 1300
support@awl.org.au
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